Jake picked up the banjo at age thirteen, and as the old saying goes, he took to it like a duck to water. A true traditionalist, he counts Earl Scruggs as his biggest influence. Jake also studied the styles of Don Reno, Sonny Osborne, J D Crowe, and Ralph Stanley. Jake's has played with many bands which includes Travers Chandler & Avery County, Kody Norris and The Burrows Brothers. Also filling in with various bands that includes The Clinch Mountain Boys, sharing the stage with Ralph Stanley. In addition to the banjo, Jake also plays mandolin, dobro and guitar. Jake contributes to the band vocally singing tenor, Baritone, bass and lead. His youth, energy, stamina and hard driving instrumentation sets the pace for The Kevin Prater Band.